Metal Anarchy

During a recent interview on SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation LA Invasion”, Kim Thayil was asked about the possibility of Soundgarden releasing a new album featuring late frontman Chris Cornell. The guitarist responded by saying “it is entirely possible.”

Thayil said the following:

“It is entirely possible, because that’s what we were doing… We definitely have another record in us. Stuff that’s written, stuff that’s demoed and recorded — certainly. All it would need is to take the audio files that are available. I’d tighten up the guitar stuff that’s on there, add other stuff. Ben [Shepherd] does the bass. Matt [Cameron] is able to get the drums he wants. We can get the producers we want to make it sound like a Soundgarden record. And yes, we can totally do that.”

He continued after being asked if there are any obstacles that can stand in the way of a new record:

“There shouldn’t be — there really isn’t — other than the fact that we don’t have those files… And I think that will happen. It would be ridiculous if it didn’t. But these are difficult things — partnerships and property.”

He also added the following when asked if the band would ever more forward with a new singer:

“Reasonably, you’ve got a big part missing. So, I think in terms of the Soundgarden catalog, that’s still gonna be active as best as it can be. In terms of unreleased recordings, live material, I’m still gonna attend to that; that’s my gig. I love that. Let’s make records.

I do not see, given the commitments that other band members have, given our sentiments and love for Chris, I do not see us reconfiguring a tour or anything, as other bands have done in the past, without him.

This is really complicated, but I’ve known Chris since I was a kid, basically — we grew up together, our early 20s. You want to honor the work and legacy you did. Is it best to regard it with dignity and let it rest? Do you want to honor it by celebrating the music and work that he’s done?

This has been difficult for a lot of people in the family and the band, and I think our conclusion was that. I understand people are complicated, and experience and life is a bag of tricks, but… I don’t know. I think we reached a conclusion that we thought was correct. But then again, 20 [or] 30 years ago, we didn’t think the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame was anything, but certainly, looking back, it’s an important part of our legacy — the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is — to acknowledge that, and now it’s important.”

[via Blabbermouth]